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Message PHILADELPHIA’S FUTURESTARTS AT SCHOOL IMPACT REPORT | 2025

WE HAVE MADE SIGNIFICANT STRIDES:The results have been remarkable. Schools that have embraced high-impact strategies are accelerating growth in student learning and teacher retention. Families are empowered with better choices. A movement for educational excellence is building.This report tells the story of our impact.Thank you for standing with us in our mission to ensure that every child in Philadelphia has access to a quality school that prepares them for success in life.With determination and gratitude,Dear Friends and Partners,Philadelphia is a city full of promise—its future tied directly to the opportunities we create for our children. At Elevate 215, we are driven by a simple but urgent mission: to increase the number of high-quality schools so that every child, regardless of zip code, has the opportunity to succeed.We believe progress is possible, and our schools are proving it every day.We have focused on identifying and investing in Philadelphia’s most effective schools—those that are changing the trajectory for children and communities. We are inspired by the academic advancements happening for thousands of students in schools across the city as a result of passionate educators utilizing effective, research-based practices. By scaling what is working in schools, advocating for systemic change, and building broad-based coalitions, we are transforming the education landscape of the city.Dr. Stacy E. Holland Executive DirectorAligning citywide efforts to grow and sustain quality schools. Providing targeted support to schools committed to improvement. Working with citywide partners to recruit, develop, and retain our teacher workforce.Advocating for policies that create the conditions for lasting change.

TOOUR APPROACHWE’RE COMMITTEDSCHOOLSELEVATING OUR

The Essential Elements of a Quality SchoolFor years, Philadelphia has lacked a clear, unified definition of what makes a quality school, hindering educational progress. DEFINING A QUALITY SCHOOL A quality school is a safe and inspiring learning environment where all students have access to effective, inclusive instruction within a service delivery system that consists of evidence based practices that are designed to allow students to gain the knowledge and skills they need to thrive. TRANSFORMING SCHOOLS TO IMPROVE OUTCOMES By defining these essential elements, we provide targeted support to transform schools and accelerate academic outcomes for all students.4OUR APPROACHWe believe quality is achievable when schools focus on elevating the four essential areas outlined in the ‘Elements of a Quality School’ graphic.THE FOUR REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS

WorkforceOperationsAcademicsSupportsASSESSMENT SYSTEMS& DATA-DRIVEN INSTRUCTIONRIGOROUS INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMSSTUDENTPERFORMANCECOLLEGE & CAREER PREPARATIONYOUTH DEVELOPMENT & AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMSPARENT & FAMILY NVOLVEMENTDIVERSITY, EQUITY& INCLUSIONSCHOOL LEADERSHIPTALENT PIPELINE & DEVELOPMENTLEARNER-FRIENDLY& TECH-SMART FACILITIES21ST CENTURY OPERATINGSYSTEMSSOCIAL-EMOTIONAL SUPPORTSSCHOOL CULTUREELEMENTSOF A QUALITYSCHOOL5OUR APPROACH

Decades of underfunding, a lack of a unified citywide strategy, and uneven support for middle-tier schools have stalled progress, leaving too many students without the opportunities they deserve.THE CHALLENGEIncreasing the number of quality schools so that every student has access to an excellent education. 6OUR APPROACHOur Strategic ApproachTHE SOLUTIONSupporting the improvement of schools, expanding opportunities at existing quality schools and launching new school models.We are advancing a bold, research-based strategy with the goal of achieving a 20% increase in the number of quality schools citywide. To date, we’ve been able to elevate 24 schools serving 15,597 students through targeted grants in three key areas: To create more robust and effective student learning experiences, we’ve tailored our supports to elevate the quality of English Language Arts (ELA), math, and the educator workforce.School Capacity BuildingSchool Growth School Startup

Add 50 more quality schools, impacting 30,000 more studentsin Philadelphia.GOALPROGRESSBUILDING MOMENTUM24 Schools15,597 Students7OUR APPROACH

TOOUR SCHOOL IMPACTPROVENSTRATEGIESRESULTSLEDREALKEYImprovementGrowthStart-upFAR NORTHEASTPHILADELPHIANEAR NORTHEASTPHILADELPHIACHERRY/OAK LANEGERMANTOWN/CHESTNUT HILLUPPER NORTHPHILADELPHIALOWERNORTHPHILADELPHIAKENSINGTONCENTER CITYSOUTHPHILADELPHIASOUTHEASTPHILADELPHIAWESTPHILADELPHIAROXBOROUG MANAYUNK

KEYImprovementGrowthStart-upFAR NORTHEASTPHILADELPHIANEAR NORTHEASTPHILADELPHIACHERRY/OAK LANEGERMANTOWN/CHESTNUT HILLUPPER NORTHPHILADELPHIALOWERNORTHPHILADELPHIAKENSINGTONCENTER CITYSOUTHPHILADELPHIASOUTHEASTPHILADELPHIAWESTPHILADELPHIAROXBOROUG MANAYUNKElevating Philadelphia by Investing in School QualityEnhancing Excellence: Strengthening existing quality schools to deepen their impact.Driving Growth: Supporting schools on the path to becoming quality schools.Innovating for the Future: Launching new, student-centered school models to meet evolving needs.We are committed to increasing the number of quality schools across the city so that every child—regardless of zip code—has the opportunity to succeed.This map highlights our school-based grantees across three key investment areas:9OUR SCHOOL IMPACT

KEY PRACTICESWeekly Professional Learning Communities (PLCs): Teachers meet regularly to analyze data, adjust instructional strategies, and center student needs.A Focus on Data-Driven Decision-Making: Educators use real-time assessments to track student progress and refine lesson plans.Partnerships for Continuous Improvement: School leaders receive guidance on effective leadership practices through Innovageous, an educator coaching firm.Empowering Teachers as Leaders: Training and supporting effective teachers to lead their grade-level teams.RESULTS:increase in math proficiency on the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA).increase in teacher retention, demonstrating stronger support for educators. 13% of students reported positive adult-student relationships, a four point increase from the previous year. 85% 16% 10OUR SCHOOL IMPACT Juniata Park Academy, a K-8 district school serving a diverse population, is strengthening student success through leadership, data-driven instruction, and professional learning. By implementing Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), educators have structured time to collaborate, refine instructional strategies, and use real-time data to improve student outcomes.Improving Outcomes Through Collaboration

of students from two participating schools demonstrated one year of math growth.of students scored Proficient or Advanced on the Keystone Algebra 1 assessment. 100% 42% participating schools had 100% of students scoring at or beyond an 8th grade level on the iReady post-assessment.schools had students that showed significant improvement, with 67-100% demonstrating two years of growth in key math standards. 3 5 High-Quality Summer Bridge Programs: Intensive, four-week summer courses designed to accelerate math skills.Small-Group, Student-Centered Learning: Direct instruction and peer collaboration foster deep engagement.Real-World Math Applications: Algebra is taught through practical, problem-solving approaches to strengthen comprehension.Targeted Support for Success: Diagnostic assessments ensure students receive the right level of instruction to prepare for high school.KEY PRACTICESRESULTS:11OUR SCHOOL IMPACT Exposure to Algebra 1 before high school is a key predictor of future academic success, yet many students of color do not have access to this opportunity. The African American Charter School Coalition (AACSC)—a network of Black-led charter schools—is working to close this gap through a comprehensive program that includes in-school instruction, Saturday sessions, and a Summer Bridge Program. These efforts help ensure more students are prepared for advanced coursework before high school.Expanding Access toAdvanced Math

Accelerated Math Pathways: High-performing 7th graders join 8th-grade math classes twice a week, gaining exposure to advanced content.Dual-Focus 8th Grade Curriculum: Students take both 8th-grade math and introductory algebra, giving them a competitive edge for high school admissions.Data-Driven Instruction: Teachers leverage student performance data to personalize instruction and track growth.KEY PRACTICESRESULTS:of 7th grade students met their expected growth targets in math.of students in the accelerated math program met their growth targets on the Winter NWEA MAP assessment, a nationally normed test. 63% 100% Independence Mission Schools (IMS), a network of 14 Catholic schools serving over 3,000 students in Philadelphia, is closing the opportunity gap through strong instruction in ELA and Math. St. Rosa of Lima Catholic School is leading the charge in math acceleration, giving underrepresented students early access to algebra and advanced coursework.Closing the Opportunity Gap12OUR SCHOOL IMPACT

OUR TALENT IMPACTSTRENGTHENING WORKFORCETHE TEACHER

A collective impact approach is essential to building a robust educator talent pipeline that can support a city with 50 different school systems employing over 12,000 teachers.Elevate 215 convenes the Philadelphia Citywide Talent Coalition—a network of 35 organizations including district and charter schools, education preparation programs, nonprofits, and city agencies—to drive the initiatives aimed at recruiting, developing, and retaining current and future effective and diverse teachers.Quality Schools Need Eective Teachers14OUR TALENT IMPACT

Building a Thriving Teacher PipelineDATA-DRIVENRECRUITINGDEVELOPING RETAININGConducted original reports and analysis of Philadelphia’s teacher workforce, including findings from a survey of over 700 public school teachers.Launched TeachPHL, a centralized hub with job information across all 49 public district and charter networks.Attracted over 1,250 aspiring teachers through a citywide outreach and marketing campaign.Supporting nearly 120 paraprofessionals on their path to full certification—with 44 now serving as certified teachers. Introducing students to the teaching profession early by expanding formal programs in five Philadelphia high schools.Cultivating inclusive, supportive spaces through the Affinity Network to help retain 200 teachers of color. Created a Teacher Retention Toolbox and worked with 16 organizations and 60 school leaders on plans to integrate best practices into school-based strategies.The Philadelphia Citywide Talent Coalition brings together data, resources, and member expertise to strengthen recruitment, development, and retention strategies—driving measurable progress across every stage of the teacher pipeline.15OUR TALENT IMPACT

OUR SYSTEM-LEVEL IMPACTCREATING CONDITIONSTO THRIVEQUALITY SCHOOLSFOR

Unlocking the Power of Quality SchoolsIncreasing the number of quality schools in Philadelphia requires citywide systems that remove barriers and expand opportunity. Schools must be equipped to grow and sustain quality, and families need clear pathways to identify and access those options. We are aligning leaders, resources, and strategies to create the conditions for schools to thrive.Empowering Families: GreatPhillySchools provides tools that help over 200,000 families explore more than 400 school options and choose the best fit for their children. At the annual K-12 Philly School Fair, 6,000 families connected directly with representatives from over 200 schools. Expanding Access: Apply Philly Charter streamlines the application process, helping nearly 26,000 families apply to 78 charter schools through a single, common system. Improving Supports: Published a report informed by charter school leaders to help transition the city’s charter accountability process toward a more collaborative and transparent approach.17OUR SYSTEM-LEVEL IMPACT

“We are proud to invest in Elevate 215 and partner in their Beat the Odds school investment strate to improve the quality of education for so many young people in our city. Elevate 215 combines an evidence-based approach with practical solutions and deep collaboration. Their evidence of success gained our condence. We know our support helps Elevate 215 to continue to act as a trusted leader in education and a driving force for improved educational outcomes for all students.”HAMILTON FAMILY CHARITABLE TRUST“As educators, we see the challenges vulnerable students face every day. However, our partnership with Elevate 215 allows us to turn those challenges into opportunities by strengthening instruction, supporting teacher development, and investing in schools ready to improve. With their support, we’re not just working harder—we’re working smarter to ensure students receive the quality education they deserve.”MARISOL RIVERA RODRIGUEZ,PHILADELPHIA SCHOOL DISTRICT’S JUNIATA PARK ACADEMY PRINCIPAL“We prepare students to lead with cultural pride, academic excellence, and a deep sense of community. Public charter schools like ours need partners who uplift diverse, student-centered models that work. Through strategic investment and collaboration, Elevate 215 is helping schools like ours reach our full potential.”DR. AYESHA IMANI SANKOFA FREEDOM ACADEMY CHARTER SCHOOL CEO/HEAD OF SCHOOLPursuing Progress, Together“Philadelphia’s future depends on ensuring every child has access to a quality education. But real change requires bold leadership, investment, and collaboration. Elevate 215 is making that possible by uniting city leaders, educators, and funders around a shared vision for quality schools. Their ability to align resources and scale what works is helping more students graduate prepared for life—securing a stronger, more prosperous future for our city.”CHERELLE L. PARKER,PHILADELPHIA MAYOR 18OUR SYSTEM-LEVEL IMPACT

WHERE YOU COME INWILL BE ON THE RISETOGETHERIF WE WORKEVERY CHILD

Financial SummaryBudget Beginning Balance Revenue Expenses Ending Balance $12,072,187 $11,713,803 $8,340,820 $13,945,341 $6,109,282For the Period 1/1/23 - 12/31/24GENERAL & ADMINISTRATIVE (17%)DEVELOPMENT (4%)PROGRAM (79%)EXPENSES BREAKDOWN20WHERE YOU COME IN

Jim and Lin BuckJohn and Evelyn McNiffJulian A. and Lois G. Brodsky FoundationMcCausland FoundationMeridian BankMichelle Carrera MoralesNewSchools Venture FundPECO-ExelonPhiladelphia FoundationRichard B. WorleySean VereenSkyrocket EducationSpring Point PartnersTerry and Ann Marie HornerA. Morris Williams, Jr.Anonymous (2)Brown Brothers HarrimanChildren’s Scholarship Fund of PhiladelphiaChubbColin and Paige KeltonConnelly FoundationFrank L. SeidmanGeorge and Karen RosskamH. Art TaylorHamilton Family Charitable TrustHess FoundationJennifer Khoury and Andrew L. NewcombOur Supporters Make Quality Education PossibleThe Binswanger FamilyThe CHG Charitable TrustThe Forman Family FoundationThe LeVine FoundationThe Lenfest Institute for JournalismThe Pew Charitable TrustsThe Pine Street FoundationThe School District of PhiladelphiaThe Wawa FoundationVanguard CharitableWilliam and Katie McNabbWilliam E. and Lori S. MarxWilliam Penn FoundationZakiyyah Boone21WHERE YOU COME IN

Benjamin Persofsky Board ChairManaging Director, Brown Brothers HarrimanZakiyyah BooneSecretaryCEO, Wonderspring Chip Linehan TreasurerCo-Founder,Co-CEO, Building 21Jessica Cunningham Akoto Partner, Greenhouse E3 Dr. Amelia Coleman Brown Associate Superintendent, Middle and Charter Schools, Prince George’s County Public SchoolsKate HoustounPhilanthropic Advisor, United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New JerseyColin KeltonChief Marketing Officer, Vanguard CHAMPIONS FOR QUALITY SCHOOLSEvie W. McNifFounder and Board President Emirata, The Children’s Scholarship Fund Philadelphia Dr. Michelle Carrera MoralesExecutive Director, Xiente Andy NewcombManaging Partner, MissionOG Jennifer RiceCo-Founder, Forman Arts Initiative H. Art TaylorHead, Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance Dr. Sean E. VereenPresident and CEO, Heights Philadelphia Richard B. WorleyManaging Partner, Permit Capital LLCElevate 215 Board Members22WHERE YOU COME IN

The future of 50 Philadelphia schools and 30,000 students depends on the choice you make today.Make a gift today to support schools, educators, and students.Partner with us to drive systemic change in education.Champion policies that ensure equitable access to high-quality learning.Join usDONATEADVOCATEPARTICIPATE

OUR MISSION Elevate 215 is a catalyst for preparing students for the world of tomorrow by modernizing the learning experience in Philadelphia schools today. We do this by: investing in schools and talent, collaborating with our partners, expanding access and resources for families, and advocating to create the conditions for success.OUR VISION All schools are designed as vivid and inspiring learning environments where students discover and reach their fullest potential.info@elevate215.orgElevate215.org123 S Broad Street, Suite 1170Philadelphia, PA 19109LET’S CONNECT